Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colerain, PA (2023 Update)

  • Colerain Solar Installation Cost: $11,731
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,514
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colerain

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Colerain.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Colerain, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Colerain, the average price of going solar will be about $11,727 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Colerain find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Colerain

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,385
3 years $-7,694
5 years $-5,003
7 years $-2,312
9 years $379
11 years $3,070
13 years $5,762
15 years $8,453
17 years $11,144
19 years $13,835
21 years $16,526
23 years $19,218
25 years $21,909

Top Solar Installers in Colerain

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Colerain

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colerain

The cost of installing a solar system in Colerain can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Colerain, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Colerain average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Colerain homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Colerain, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.65 $11,138 $11,909 12.1 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $16,164 11.8 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $20,562 11.6 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $25,103 11.4 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $29,786 11.2 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $34,613 10.9 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $39,582 10.7 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $44,694 10.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Colerain, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Colerain?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Colerain?

You can't get solar panels for free in Colerain. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Colerain is currently $246,088, which means you could be looking at a value of about $10,090 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Colerain is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Colerain?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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